Quick Highlights:
- Shunya is India’s first electric air taxi prototype with a six-passenger capacity.
- Designed for 20–30 km urban trips with speeds up to 250 kmph.
- Commercial rollout planned in Bengaluru by 2028, followed by major metros.
- Startup has raised $10 million Series A funding and begun ground testing.
India Steps Into the Future of Mobility With Electric Air Taxis
Urban mobility in India may be on the cusp of a radical transformation. Bengaluru-based aerospace startup Sarla Aviation unveiled Shunya, India’s first electric air taxi prototype, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. As someone who has closely followed the evolution of electric mobility, I see this as a rare moment where ambition, engineering, and timing come together.
Shunya is not just a futuristic concept. It is a serious attempt to tackle two of India’s biggest urban challenges: traffic congestion and pollution, while enabling fast, sustainable short-distance travel.
What Makes Shunya a Game-Changer
Shunya is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft built specifically for dense urban environments.
Key capabilities include:
- Passenger capacity: Up to six passengers
- Maximum payload: 680 kg, the highest among current eVTOLs
- Top speed: 250 kmph
- Range: 160 km on a single charge
- Ideal trip distance: 20-30 km
In practical terms, this means airport-to-city or cross-city travel could take minutes instead of hours. For cities like Bengaluru or Mumbai, that is nothing short of transformative.
According to CEO Adrian Schmidt, “Shunya represents our commitment to creating a cleaner, more connected future while tackling urban challenges such as traffic congestion and pollution.” That vision clearly reflects in the aircraft’s design and mission profile.
Designed for Indian Cities, Not Just Global Showcases
One detail I find especially important is that Shunya is being optimized for Indian conditions, not retrofitted from global designs. Its vertical take-off and landing capability allows operations from compact urban spaces, while its electric propulsion system keeps noise and emissions low.
The company expects pricing to be comparable to premium taxi fares, which, if executed well, could make air taxis far more accessible than many expect.
Rollout Timeline and Expansion Plans
Sarla Aviation plans to launch commercial services in Bengaluru by 2028, followed by expansion into Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and other major metros. If timelines hold, India could soon join a small global group of nations deploying urban air mobility at scale.
Beyond Passenger Travel: Free Air Ambulance Initiative
One of the most human-centric aspects of Sarla Aviation’s vision is its plan to introduce a free air ambulance service. In medical emergencies where every minute counts, fast aerial transport could significantly improve survival outcomes in congested cities.
This initiative adds a strong public-interest layer to what could otherwise be seen as a premium mobility solution.
Funding and the Team Behind the Vision
Founded in October 2023 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, Sarla Aviation has already secured $10 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Accel, with participation from Binny Bansal and Nikhil Kamath.
The funding is being used to accelerate R&D and build a dedicated engineering ecosystem in India, reinforcing the Atma Nirbhar Bharat narrative in advanced aerospace manufacturing.
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Ground Testing Marks a Major Milestone
In a critical step forward, Sarla Aviation has commenced ground testing at its Bengaluru manufacturing facility. The company is currently testing a half-scale eVTOL demonstrator, named SYLLA SYL-X1, featuring a 7.5-metre wingspan.
What stands out here is intent. Unlike academic or RC-scale prototypes, SYL-X1 is designed with certification in mind, acting as a bridge toward a 15-metre full-scale aircraft.
According to CTO Rakesh Gaonkar, “Our focus has never been on being first, but on building to last and on creating an aviation giant.” That long-term mindset is refreshing in a space often dominated by flashy demos.
Why This Matters for India’s Aerospace Future
Achieved in just nine months and at a fraction of global program costs, this milestone places India among a small group of countries developing next-generation vertical flight systems at an industrial scale.
Sarla Aviation’s roadmap targets helicopter-class endurance while reducing operational complexity and cost through electric propulsion and integrated system design. If successful, this could redefine not just mobility, but also India’s position in global aerospace innovation.
If Shunya delivers on even half of its promise, urban travel in India may never look the same again.
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Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. What is Shunya by Sarla Aviation?
- Shunya is India’s first electric air taxi prototype, designed as an eVTOL aircraft for short urban commutes.
Q. When will Shunya air taxis start operations?
- Commercial operations are planned to begin in Bengaluru by 2028, followed by expansion to other major cities.
Q. How many passengers can Shunya carry?
- Shunya can carry up to six passengers with a maximum payload of 680 kg.
Q. How fast can the electric air taxi fly?
- The aircraft has a top speed of 250 kmph and a range of 160 km per charge.
Q. Is Sarla Aviation offering medical services?
- Yes, the company plans to introduce a free air ambulance service for emergency medical transport.
Q. Who has invested in Sarla Aviation?
- The startup raised $10 million in Series A funding led by Accel, with angel investments from Binny Bansal and Nikhil Kamath.
